Kashmir Information

Kashmir is situated at the extreme north of of India. Kashmir is known all over the world as "The Paradise On Earth"

Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond changing its hues with the seasons always extravagantly beautiful,two major himalayan ranges,the great himalayan range and pirpanjal,surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers,which flow down into valleys,forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.

The mughals aptly called Kashmir Paradise on Earth,where they journeyed across the hot plains of india,to the valley's cool environs in summer,here they laid,with great love and care,Srinagar's many formal water front gardens.They also patronized the development of art and craft among the people of kashmir,leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among these people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.

Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised.In winter when snow carpets the mountains there is skiingu sledge riding etc.Along the gentle slopes in spring and summer.

You will find the people themselves have a natural charm, always friendly and helpful. You enter a new civilization of gentleness beauty and peace, with all the modern amenities of accommodation and transport and much more that you will discover for yourself.

Srinagar :

Srinagar the lakes city srinagar is located in the heart of the kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 mts above from sea level,spread on both sides of the river Jhelum.The Dal lake and Negeen Lake enhance its picturesque setting,while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

The Mughal emperors who endowed Kashmir with beautiful Mosques and Gardens.The sikhs overthrew the last muslim ruler in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh,in 1819,in 1846 the dogras secured the sovereignty of kashmir from the british under the treaty of amritsar,and in 1947 the state of Jammu and Kashmir with

Srinagar as its summer capital become part of the indian union.Today Srinagar is a resort for the tourist who can experience,Kashmir's tourists attractions,like Srinagar city of lakes Pahalgam Gulmarg Sonamarg Gurez Valley Lolab Bangus Valley Arpat Valley,Achabal Kokernag Daksum Sinthantop Aharbal,Martand Sun Temple,Awantipora Temple,Aharbal Water Fall,Yusmarg etc,Kashmir Valley of paradise loses its meaning if you have not visited the above mentioned tourist spots or destinations.

The Jammu and Kashmir's Summer capital more than 2000 years old in the heart of Kashmir valley spreads out on both side of river Jehlum. Srinagar has been called the "Venice of the Orient"

The quaint charm of Houseboats of Dal Lake, Nageen Lake and Naseem Lake in Srinagar to stay is a MUST .The Houseboats are having two Bed rooms, three bed rooms and four bed rooms with attached bath, with dining and Sitting room also with Sun-deck. Each houseboat is having the attendant who can also serve the food. Explore lapping journeys on a Shikara (Gandola) in the lakes, past floating gardens.

Houseboats in Srinagar:

Houseboat were introduced accidentally in Kashmir. Most of British Civil and Military officers serving in the plains used to come to Kashmir with their families for holidays. They wanted to built houses for themselves but the Maharaja (King) of Kashmir of that time was suspicious of their designs and did not allow them to buy land, so they built the first Houseboat- named Victory designed by Mr. M T Kenhard in 1888. Later other copied this design and now there are about 500 Houseboats in Srinagar for commercial purpose .

Places of interest:

Pahalgam

95 km. east of Srinagar, 2400 mt. above sea level popular holiday resort. It is called "Shepherds village" at the head of the Lidder valley. Best place for trout fishing. Apart from angling, Pahalgam is also known as the starting point for trekking. Pilgrims route to Amarnath Cave.

Gulmarg:

56 km from Srinagar, one and a half hour journey, 2690 mt above sea level. It is called "Meadow of flowers". In summer it is best for trekking, golfing and pony rides and for Skiing, Skating and Ice Hockey in Winter. Gulmarg has the worldÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s highest green golf course in the world. There are cable cars that ferry the tourists up to the height of 3095 mt. (Gondola)

Yusmarg:

50 km southeast of Srinagar, one and half hour journey through pine and fir forests. On the way to Yusmarg is the shrine of famous Kashmiri Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din, popularly known as Nunda Rishi. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a pony back.

Sonmarg:

87 km. from Srinagar, 3 hours journey, 2800 mt above sea level. It is called "Golden Meadow" at the head of the river Sind with beautiful mountains and glaciers. Base for the treks to Harmukh range via Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag . Also the Pilgrim route to Amarnath Cave , which can be done in one day from here. Famous for Trout fishing.

Mughal Gardens:

Nishat Garden

The Garden of bliss laid down by Asif Khan father of Empress Noorjahan in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. Nishat commands magnificent view of the Lake and the Snow capped Pir Panchal Range to the west of the valley.

Shalimar Garden:

The garden is laid down in four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal runs through the garden lined with polished stones and supplies with water from Harwan.

Chasma -Shahi : East of Srinagar, commands a superb view of the Dal Lake it has the advantage of having a natural spring of Pure, Cool and Sparking water known as Chasma- Shahi (Royal Spring).

Lakes in Kashmir

Dal Lake:

In Srinagar's Aquatic Plaza around the lake. Villages and Orchids and the Famous gardens built by the Moghul Emperors famous for Shikara ride. Most of the House Boats around in Dal Lake. From the Lake one can see the Historic Shankara Charya Hill in the east and the west Hari Parbat.

Nagin Lake

Popular for water sports like water skiing, swimming, diving and sailing.

Manasbal Lake

This Lake is famous for Lotus flowers during summer and Paradise for Bird Watchers,. Between the river and foot of the Mountains spurs lower end of the Sind valley famous for Picnic spot.

Wular Lake

The Largest fresh water Lake in India 26 Km long and 8 Km wide. Surrounded by the mountains. The river Jehlum passes right through the Lake the deepest part is near the Hill called Baba Shakur-ud-Din on the north west side.